A dangerous driver who killed a 12-year-old schoolgirl while checking his mobile phone has been jailed for his reckless actions. The tragic collision occurred as the young victim was walking home from school in a quiet residential area.
The court heard how the motorist, who was travelling well above the speed limit, took his eyes off the road to look at his phone moments before the fatal impact. Witnesses described seeing the vehicle swerve erratically before mounting the pavement.
Heartbreaking Consequences
The young victim, described by her family as "a bright light full of potential", suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene despite emergency services' efforts. Her devastated parents spoke of their unimaginable loss in an emotional victim impact statement.
Judge's Stern Warning
Sentencing the driver to several years in prison, the judge condemned the "utterly preventable" nature of the tragedy. "No text message or notification is worth a human life," the judge declared, warning other motorists about the lethal consequences of distracted driving.
Road safety campaigners have renewed calls for tougher penalties and better enforcement against mobile phone use while driving following this case. Police data shows such distractions contribute to hundreds of serious accidents annually across the UK.
